The other very visible handicraft chain is Yuzawaya They are even larger with 32 stores from Hokkaido to Fukuoka!

Yuzawaya is far beyond what you can call a textile store… the main store is located in Kamata (Keihintohoku Line, Ikegami Line or Tamagawa Line) and they have build a whole handicraft city over there. In more than 10 locations you’ll find everything from Japanese Kalligraphie sets, to lingerie, plastic flowers and what ever you need for sewing, knitting, embroidery or Hawaiian Outfits. It is interesting to stroll through the locations and it takes time until you’ll understand where you need to go for what.

In case you decide to go shopping at Yuzawaya often, it’s definetely recommended to let them make a member or point card for you. Everything that you buy will be 10% reduced and if you log in on their “friends page” you’ll get coupons for special bargains and campains.

Very informative is the “About us” page: 「 Not to forget humanity at the very moments of an era of high and information technology, we believe that handing down the beauty of “handicrafts” to future generations is our mission」… and so is mine -ha! :)